InfoGram

June 20, 2002

NOTE: This InfoGram will be distributed weekly to provide members of the emergency services sector with news and information concerning the protection of their critical infrastructures. For further information please contact the U.S. Fire Administration's Critical Infrastructure Protection Information Center at (301) 447-1325 or email at usfacipc@dhs.gov.

A CIP Case for Joint Planning and Training

Previous InfoGrams discussed the multi-faceted threats to critical infrastructures from people (e.g., terrorists, delinquents, etc.), from nature (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires, etc.), and from hazardous materials accidents. Current events substantiate how these threats often become attacks on critical infrastructures - those people, physical entities, and cyber systems indispensably necessary for survivability, continuity of operations, and mission success. Since these attacks can degrade or destroy critical infrastructures, the CIPIC has steadfastly promoted the protection of critical infrastructures in a time-efficient and resource-restrained manner.

When such attacks occur, the safety and success of all emergency responders will be seriously jeopardized unless they know exactly what to do and cooperate in getting it done rapidly and unscathed. Therefore, to enhance the protection of personnel and all critical infrastructures, the CIPIC recommends comprehensive joint planning followed by rigorous joint training.

Police, fire, and EMS departments should combine with other key agencies (e.g., National Guard) to plan and conduct realistic multi-agency exercises to ensure the preparedness required to counter potential threats. Although federal money to support this will be slow in arriving, chief officers of emergency first responders must fight complacency, begin planning, and select low cost, innovative methods to execute quality combined training with reinforcing rehearsals. The preparedness derived from these activities will go far to eliminate or mitigate the adverse effects of attacks on critical infrastructures.

Guarding Emergency Vehicles

According to an article in the New York Daily News, senior leaders of the New York City Police and Fire Departments were warned this week that terrorists may attempt to use emergency vehicles as high-speed bombs. The warning came after two Middle Eastern men recently tried to buy an ambulance with cash. When the owner of the ambulance balked, the two men quickly fled without leaving any identification behind. A New York official said: "this is a real concern because terrorists in Israel have used ambulances to sneak suicide bombers into their target areas." Another official remarked: "if terrorists got their hands on an emergency vehicle, it would be an ideal way for them to get into local vulnerable places because no one will stop it from passing."

To remove the possibility of emergency vehicle theft, New York's first response departments have begun securing stations and garages where the vehicles are stored or repaired. Additionally, they have alerted rank-and-file membership to keep department vehicles under observation and to look for any suspicious activities around police, fire/EMS stations, and 9-1-1 centers.

Despite the fact that the failed ambulance purchase occurred in northern New Jersey, emergency departments in all American municipalities should follow the example of New York City. Given the current threat level in the United States, it would be very prudent for police, fire, and EMS departments everywhere to secure their emergency or official vehicles at all times. The CIPIC also suggests that local public service vehicles be afforded the same degree of security. By doing so, community leaders can deny our adversaries of another opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities, destroy critical infrastructures, and harm people and property.

Protecting the Children

The safety of children is almost always a primary concern that can potentially diminish the morale and job performance of parents. Just like any other loving parents, fire and emergency medical personnel need the comfort of knowing that the younger parts of the family infrastructure are carefully protected. Logically, the first line of defense or child protection begins at home. Grandparents as well are affected by child safety issues and must also enforce the protection of children. The following are some modified suggestions from "The Child Connection" to help parents and grandparents keep their little ones safe:

• Train children to yell, kick, and scream if grabbed by a stranger.
• Ensure children know their phone number and how to make a collect call.
• Tell children not to give their address and phone number to strangers.
• Encourage children to use the buddy system and watch out for each other.
• Take frequent photos of children and keep a current one with you.
• Arrange for children to be fingerprinted at a law enforcement agency.
• Teach children to recognize and avoid "lure tactics" that entice their compliance.
• Establish a code word to help children distinguish friends from foes in an emergency.
• Instruct children to go directly to a cashier or ticket booth if accidentally separated.
• Direct children to walk only an approved route to and from school, play, etc.
• Acquire school guarantee to immediately notify if children do not arrive on time.
• Maintain excellent two-way communications with children.
• Organize a block watch with designated safe home.
• Observe the clothing that children wear prior to leaving home for school or play.

Security Process Unveiled

On a matter which affects water supply, the Justice Department unveiled this week a 12-step analysis and risk-reduction process to improve security for the 15,000 chemical, water, and wastewater treatment plants in the United States. The Assistant Attorney General called it "a critically valuable tool that industry can use to help protect treatment plants against possible terrorist activity." The program was developed by the Justice Department's research and development agency and the Department of Energy. The developers said they focused on trying to prevent terror, criminal activities of a national scope, and hazardous chemical releases that could shut down a facility or harm employees and nearby residents. The program involves the definition and assessment of threats to a facility, then determining the priority in which they should be dealt with. After several intermediary steps, sites are to compile risk analyses and ways to reduce risks, then draft a final report.